Tires for Big Class C

To Crawford and PianoTuna,
Thanks for your willingness to help me find a safer tire. Please know that my current motor home is a 2011 (not 2004) Itasca Impulse 31N, which is 32 feet long, and towing my 4,500 lb Xterra. I don't know about offsets, but I understand "kiss," and that's not a good thing. Yes, I'm looking for a safer tire, but the implementation has to be done safely, also. My tires, valves, and their mounting can either keep me and my sweetie safe, or can head us through a guard rail as we come down a steep, windy mountain pass. Safety first, please. Thank you.
Rob

Thinking I was told the same thing till I went to a mom and pop store they had a couple tires and tried them on for clearance around wheel well and between duels. I think because people get information from others it must be true. Look try it and see like I did you may be surprise on how much bad information in all the forums.

NAPA and JC Whitney sell wheel spacers put them in between them then.

to Mich F I was being sarcastic. But thanks for your help.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi,

On an E-450 2004 model year the "offset" for the rear duals will NOT accommodate a 235/85R16. The tires will "kiss".

I don't know what model year Ford changed the rim offset for E350/450 but my 2009 E350 stock rims are set-up with the correct offset for 235/85R16.

Later model E350/450s have the same OEM rim offset that Southwest sells.

I have both Southwest "235" Rims and my 2009 Ford OEM rims.
Measured the offset of both and verified that they have the same offset.

Plus the above info was also verified by phone with Southwest Rims.

More info at my thread:
"235" Rim Offset

Hi,

On an E-450 2004 model year the "offset" for the rear duals will NOT accommodate a 235/85R16. The tires will "kiss".

crawford wrote:
Again I have switch to 235-85-16 with stock rims. They are load range G real truck tires it give me 1,000 pounds per tire. It raised rear end a good 2 inches I left front stock tires. While it does ride a lot firmer I don't mind it after all it is a truck. Best of all no tire failures 40,000 miles and still look like new I just like the safety of G range after all you can say what ever IMO it's not a Light Truck like tires come on them say LT tires.

Again I have switch to 235-85-16 with stock rims. They are load range G real truck tires it give me 1,000 pounds per tire. It raised rear end a good 2 inches I left front stock tires. While it does ride a lot firmer I don't mind it after all it is a truck. Best of all no tire failures 40,000 miles and still look like new I just like the safety of G range after all you can say what ever IMO it's not a Light Truck like tires come on them say LT tires.

I haven't owned the XPS Ribs myself, but have seen a number of posts by owners who are very happy with the improvement in handling with them. and they seem to carry heavy vehicles better. But yes, I've also read of their not-great traction on slippery surfaces. I do know that the pre-'2' LTX's caused handling / steering issues for some C's and B's, my first B included. And the LTX's do often suffer from early cracking; Michelin has stepped up for at least some owners.

Jim, "Mo' coffee!"

Hi HikerRob,

Fuel mileage (so far) has improved from a low of 7.13 (225) to 8.7 (235). Best I have done on the new 235's is 10.32. The running average on 2470.1 kilometers (1534.84898 miles) is 8.94. (I converted to US gallons for you)

Improvements are a better ride, quieter inside the RV, more stability on both gravel & pavement, even less wind effect from passing semi trucks (going the opposite direction).

Deficits seem to be a little more control need on steering--but that may just be me.

There do not seem to be increased stopping distances. I'm a slow driver and often coast to a stop when I can do so safely.

Here is a link to the wheels:

235/85R16

HikerRob wrote:


To Pianotuna:

I would welcome a 1.25" increase in my road-to-motor home distance, especially at the end of my 11' rear overhang. And you’re right in that the increased tire load rating doesn’t change the chassis load rating. You mention a slight increase in gas mileage. I’m guessing that comes from the larger diameter tires. If so, do you notice lengthened stopping distances?

Thank you all for your interest in my dilemma. I appreciate the feedback.

Hiker Rob

I'd suggest you get in touch with Michelin. You should not have issues with three year old tires. They will probably help you out.